Optical Bistability From Domain Formation in Terahertz Quantum Cascade Lasers

Author

Allen, Dan G. ; Hargett, Terry W. ; Reno, John L. ; Wanke, Michael C.

Author_Institution

Sandia Nat. Labs., Albuquerque, NM, USA

Volume

17

Issue

1

fYear

2011

Firstpage

222

Lastpage

228

Abstract

Novel transverse-mode behavior and bistability are observed in spectral and far-field measurements of terahertz-distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers. Prior to onset of negative differential resistance (NDR) at the maximum superlattice current, lasing is exclusive to a single (TM00) transverse mode. Precisely at NDR, lasing switches to a distinct (TM01) transverse mode. The spatial redistribution of optical power in the NDR regime is explained in terms of formation of bias domains localized to the lateral edges of the waveguide. As the bias voltage is reduced below NDR, hysteresis is observed as continued lasing on the TM01 mode. Photon-assisted current transport is proposed as the dominant mechanism for the bistability.

Keywords

distributed feedback lasers; laser modes; optical bistability; quantum cascade lasers; submillimetre wave lasers; bias voltage; domain formation; negative differential resistance; optical bistability; photon-assisted current transport; spatial redistribution; superlattice current; terahertz distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers; transverse-mode behavior; Bistability; domain formation; quantum cascade laser (QCL); terahertz (THz);

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1077-260X

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/JSTQE.2010.2044748

Filename

5475214